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Senshi Chronicles 1 Aki by Loki

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April 7 (Usagi and Mamoru's wedding day)


Usagi parked Mamoru's red sports car in front of the Tsukino residence. Turning her head, she gave Minako and Artemis a mischievous smile. The white Moon Cat yawned luxuriantly as Minako ruffled his soft ears. He looked up at her from his comfortable position in her lap, and unfurled himself like a fur-lined rug.

After piling out of the car, they soon joined Aki, Jizela and Setsuna, waiting for them on the sidewalk. The women surrounded by half a dozen giggling young girls from Queen Freya's court. The seamstresses commissioned to design Usagi's wedding gown. The gown itself, as with the bridal party's outfits was sophisticated, sexy and beautiful to look at. The hot-pink fabric, lined with mother-of-pearl skirts adorned with sapphires and blue pearls, breathtaking -- it also boasted an eye-catching hip to hem slit.
Usagi's pregnant belly barely showed and this pleased her no end. She looked resplendent in the gown with its rose gold mesh belt bedecked with silver tassels encrusted with star sapphire butterflies. The Ginzuishou suspended upon a crystal necklace. Shimmering blue pearls symbolizing the unity between Terran and Orpheusean cultures lined the neckline of the bodice.

Kantaro, Kumiko and the other guests had arrived on Earth aboard an Orpheusean crystal Glider.

Aki sat playing chess with Shingo, and she'd just beaten him after only one round – this first contest designed to teach her the rudiments of the game. But Shingo didn't really mind at all, for he was attracted to her. Aki likewise felt it too, allowing their fingers to touch and linger at every opportunity. Miranda winked at her friend.


"I'm so excited, Luna. I can't believe it… Mamoru and I are finally doing this -- getting married, I mean, and on such a fabulous day! I can feel Chibi-Usa kicking, she's sensing it too," Usagi laughed, hugging her guardian and friend.

"Usagi, don't worry about a thing. Your mother has rung Mamoru and he's on his way to the temple, "Luna told her as Usagi closed her eyes and concentrated on her daughter.

"Hey Luna…this is one time I won't get detention for being late," she giggled.

"Come on, Usagi dear," Ikuko called from down stairs.

Usagi winked at Luna, who nodded her approval as the stunning bride turned in a slow circle -- her skirts whirling about her ankles. The crystal shoes hand made on Tsurania sparkled as she moved towards the stairs.


"Beautiful, Usagi," her mother said, as a tear crept from the corner of her eye.

"My little girl," Kenji said with pride, taking her hands in his, "It's hard to imagine you running down those stairs every morning like a little whirlwind, late for school, and now look at you…all grown up and beautiful, my Usagi. We love you so much. We're so proud of you."

---

Motoki straightened his tie in the dining room mirror. Pleased with the cut of his deep-blue suit, he nodded his approval at his reflection in Mamoru's hallway mirror.

Mamoru snuck up behind his friend and gave him a start, "and I thought I was vain," he chuckled.

"Keep that up, Mamoru-kun, and I'll have a heart attack and you'll have to pull a stranger off the street to pass that ring to you," he laughed, waving a chiding finger at his friend, who feigned mortification.

Mamoru's black tuxedo looked great. His deep blue eyes shone with excitement. Grinning, as he too was pleased with his reflection.

"You scrub up quite well in a tux," Motoki said, making Mamoru chuckle to himself as he thought about turning up at his own wedding as Tuxedo Kamen. But Usagi swore she'd pull off his mask if he dared. He laughed, saying he was only joking.

"Mamoru, are you starting to get a little nervous, yet? You know, sweaty palms, cold feet… No? Okay, then, lets go."

Mamoru made sure he had everything before taking one last look at his apartment through bachelor eyes before locking the door behind him. He knew when he set eyes upon it again; he'd be married to Usagi, "Well, goodbye single life, and hello married respectable Chiba Mamoru."


Sakura Jinja


Tokako and Emily had organized the lighting and digital film crew to record the wedding. Orinda, a media expert from Orpheus, sat with the women discussing their differing approaches to their craft. The flowers were exquisite, their perfume drenched the temple's chamber as The Orpheusean royal house sat with Neo-Queen Serenity and the pink-haired and pretty Princess Serenity on the left -- Usagi's family, and friends on the right.

Rei looked stunning in a beautiful mauve robe with a pink rose pinned to her hair and hot-pink sash at her waist. She stood upon the dais waiting for Usagi to appear.

"Relax Mamoru, you should be used to Usagi being late…just promise me one thing," Rei whispered.

"Yes," he whispered back, grinning, his eyes sparkling.

"Don't crash into one another, okay. Save that for the honeymoon suite," she giggled.

An honor guard of Mauan Cats had taken their places at the entrance to the temple: Luna, Artemis, Diana, Loki, Morgana, Hercules, Onyx, Ishtar, Ra, Star, Robbie and Kit, his mate.
An assortment of various flowers pinned to their collars representing their worlds looked most impressive as each cat held their portion of a long pink ribbon between their paws, forming two lines of hot pink, creating a processional way for the bride and her father.

Usagi looked so beautiful and the assembly gasped in appreciation. Motoki winked at Mamoru, who just stared in adoration at his Usako.

At the back of the chamber, Amydarainia and Janus had arrived with two of his sisters and two Moon Cats, Scimitar and Aria -- agents of the Mauan collective.


"My friends, Mr. and Mrs. Tsukino and honored guests, her majesties, Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion, Princess Serenity, Prince Kantaro and Princesses Kumiko and Miro. I also extend a warm welcome to Queen Freya and your children. You've all come such a long way, as have General Janus and Lady Amydarainia… I can't tell you what an honor it is to stand here before you, to celebrate the union that time itself could not tear apart…today, my dearest friends, Chiba-Mamoru and Tsukino Usagi are to become man and wife, in Orpheusean terms, conjoined. I love you guys so much; your love keeps us strong. It is an honor to officiate as priestess on such an auspicious occasion, being your wedding day. I now ask you both to step forward before these witnesses and affirm your love to one another. You've written your own vows, guys, so I'll leave it to you."

"My only love, you are the light in my heart. My Usako, my silver rose, my shrine, my love for you is impervious to the passing of time and its seasons. You are my Moon Goddess who awakens my desire, my heart and all I am, my dearest Usagi. I place this band of gold upon your finger as a symbol of my eternal love for you." Usagi looked into Mamoru's eyes as her tears fell down her cheeks. She smiled at the man she loved as he continued his recitation, "I shall love, respect, cherish and adore you for all eternity. I this day, take you as my wife, equal in all things, this I pledge to you, my only love."

Usagi's heart overflowed with love and joy, as too her copious tears, as she made ready to speak her own pledge to him.

"When the snows shrouded my heart and all seemed lost, it was you, who gave me shelter in the light of your love. You know the rhythms of my spirit. You are the Earth that supports me, I am the loom upon which your dreams fulfilled, and I am the harp that gives answer to your longing. I am but a blossom in your hands… I am the fecund garden you nurture and harvest. You are the storyteller, dreamer, my hero and companion, who can always set me aflame. No matter what befalls me, I know you will always be near. I love you, my knight, my warrior, my love. I place this golden ring upon your finger as a symbol of my love and I pledge myself to you, my prince, for love's light has made us one within love's shrine. Come celebrate life's bounty with me for infinity."

"Under the eyes of the Kamis, may they bestow their approval and benedictions upon you both and grant you many offspring. I declare you joined as husband and wife," Rei announced, smiling as she took their hands in her own and kissed them.

Suddenly, a gold and silver flash engulfed the chamber and for a moment or two, Sailor Moon stood before the gathering in a white velvet fuku with silver tiara encrusted with diamonds cut into crescents and stars. She wore silver sandals with thin straps crisscrossing her shins to her knees. She held a pulsing scepter, her familiar trademark Odango in place. Mamoru stood as Prince Endymion in a black uniform lined with gold, his midnight blue cloak lined with gold stars with blood-red crystal roses in hand and heavy jeweled sword in its scabbard at his side. They then detransformed, but the crystal roses remained and he handed these to Usagi and looked upon the face he would always love and cherish.

"Mamoru, I don't have to tell you what to do next," Rei whispered and smiled. He took his new wife in his arms and kissed her senseless, much to the delight and applause of the assembly. "I give you, Mr. and Mrs. Chiba Mamoru and may your lives be an eternal blossoming."

They drank from the silver goblets set upon a pink marble pedestal, in keeping with ancient Sulean custom.


The Wedding Reception


The happy couple, curious to know what their friends had in store for them could hardly wait as the door leading out of the air lock began to slide open. When they crossed the threshold, the sight that met their eyes was fantastic. They gasped in awe and disbelief at the reproduction of Queen Serenity's Moon Palace ballroom. Usagi wept tears of joy as a holographic image of her mother sat smiling upon her throne above the pink marble dance floor.

"Oh, Mamo-chan, this is so beautiful. I feel as if we've been transported back in time to the Silver Millennium," she said, turning on the spot to take in every detail and hugged her husband.

Amydarainia approached the newly weds and greeted them with a smile, "You both look great!"

"Thank you, Amydarainia," Usagi gushed and Mamoru bowed.

Before the band began its performance, music from the Silver Millennium piped through the virtual resonance sound systems. Kenji and Ikuko looked elegant in their period costume. Kenji bowed and kissed his daughter's hand and turned to Mamoru, "Mamoru may I have the honor of dancing with your lovely wife?" he said, as his son-in-law grinned from ear-to-ear, loving the sound of -- your wife.

"Of course, Kenji-sama," he said by way of reply.

Motoki, who was MC and best man, announced the father of the bride and his daughter would be the first to step on the dance floor.

"Usagi, all this is so magnificent. I'd no idea how vast the Moon Kingdom must have been. I'm impressed. I know you're in safe hands. It makes the letting go process so much easier to bear," Kenji told his daughter as they spun around the dance floor.

At last, Usagi and Mamoru danced alone, staring lovingly into one another's eyes. Usagi could feel his heart beating against her chest as they moved with grace across the pink marble surface as the multitude clapped and showered them with Sakura petals.

"Oh, Mamoru, I love you, my darling…this is the best day of my life. I want it to go on forever," she said, as tears of joy ran down her cheeks. It wasn't long before a sea of couples swirled about them. The band combined to play an ensemble of classic, rock and roll and contemporary music spanning four decades.

Aki introduced Shingo to Miranda. "I finally get to meet you, you look a lot like Usagi, down to the Odango hairstyle…sorry, I'm used to teasing Usagi about her hair," he chuckled.

Miranda beamed, "I'm honored you think me an Odango Atama, too. I'm apparently in good company. And besides, you'll miss teasing her now she's married. But I'm fair game," she laughed good-naturedly.

"We're looking forward to having you for the next two weeks. It will be fun. Aki and I will show you guys around Tokyo and point out all the cool spots, especially the Manga Cafés."

"Shingo is a true gentleman, as they say on Earth. He's a great dancer, too. Though I don't understand many of his jokes, I get the sense of them," Aki said, squeezing Shingo's hand.

Janus waved Shingo over to help with the drinks to give Makoto and Umino a break. He bowed and excused himself, giving Aki a quick peck on the cheek, "I will return, Aki, got to help out for a while."

Once Shingo reached the table across the floor, Aki began to think about her developing feelings for Usagi's brother. She giggled. Later, after he had fulfilled his duties, He rejoined Aki, who looked beautiful in her soft silver dress, the disguise pen working its magic to conceal her crystal beauty that he adored when she shed her disguise at home. She took his hand in a possessive gesture in hers, surprising him in the most wonderful way.

"Aki and Shingo, why don't you guys go say hello to Usa-chan at Kumiko's table. Kantaro and I are going to do a little dancing," Miranda suggested, winking at the smiling couple. They agreed, and excused themselves.

"I think they might be next, you know. Aki adores him. She's bought a stack of new clothes and is studying Earth culture. I'm happy for them both. They're well suited," Miranda commented as Kantaro helped her onto the dance floor once again.

During dessert, Motoki stood up to address the assembly, raising his hands for silence.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, what can I say? What a fantastic occasion. I've known Usagi and Mamoru for a long time, and come to regard them as the most wonderful and caring people I know. As children, Mamoru and I dreamt of finding our places in this world, to pursue our dreams and aspirations. You know, when he met Usagi for the first time and told me of their first encounter, I knew he was attracted to her even then. He'd never spent any longer than five minutes on any one girl in conversation before Usagi. No, this was different, and I'm happy to say, they had grown closer and fallen in love. I watched as hearts and knees took their share of life's cuts and bruises and through it all, they rose above adversity. I felt honored to be included in the world of the Senshi. I've only known of Usagi and Mamoru's legacy and identities as warriors of love and justice a short time. The news blew my mind. I kept pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Mamoru and I had always wanted to touch the stars. Well, now my friend, we both have. Reika is my princess, but Mamoru-kun, you have the queen of the stars in your life. I wish you each a long and love-filled life. Good health and prosperity," Motoki said, lifting his glass to propose a toast to the bride and groom.

Usagi and Mamoru looked at their friend, eyes brimming with tears. Everyone was upstanding and saluted their friends – then the assembly applauded as Usagi and Mamoru got up to dance once more and their friends and families soon joined them.

After returning to their seats, Ikuko and Kenji addressed the assembly. They shared memories of Usagi's school days, and what she was like as an infant. Ikuko had chosen that moment to talk about the first time they'd noticed the crescent moon symbol on Usagi's brow when Ikuko was breast-feeding her. Usagi had then, for the first time understood what they must have gone through, and was surprised they'd never let on. They knew she was a Senshi after the first appearance of Sailor Moon. Recognizing their daughter's crescent, the face and body posture -- only a parent would know.

"My beautiful daughter, Usagi, at first, I comforted myself with the notion I could pretend it was somebody else's child in that fuku. Your grades, sleeping habits and klutziness served as welcome distractions, preventing me facing the truth about your destiny. I had clung to the elusion you were just an ordinary schoolgirl with the same hopes and dreams as other children your age, so I wouldn't worry every time a dark entity or Youma struck Tokyo. Your father and I are honored to have such a beautiful and brave daughter. We love you, and are proud of who you are and are becoming," Ikuko said, looking at her wide-eyed daughter, who could only stare at her smiling mother. In that moment, Usagi felt so much love and pride for her parents, and respected them so much more.

Then Rei stood up, smoothing her skirts and began to speak, "as Usagi's best friend. Well, girls, one of the many best friends Usagi has… I'm so happy for you guys. It's fantastic, and I hope your honeymoon will be memorable. And guys, I love you both," Rei told them, trying to stop herself crying.

Usagi and Mamoru rose together, holding hands, and Usagi spoke first, "mom, dad… I love you so much, and Shingo, I know I gave you a hard time over the years, but you're the best brother a girl could ever have and I love you heaps." Usagi turned to her Senshi, "Makoto, you're the steady and strong one, like a tall ancient Oak. You're also soft hearted, courageous, and the world's, no, the Universe's-- and beyond -- best cook," She giggled as Makoto bowed to the rousing applause of the chamber, "Ami, your wisdom and quick thinking have saved my butt more times than I can count. Your love of life and of people, your loyalty, your support and love have contributed to who I am today. I thank you, my dear friend," she said, as Ami's eyes filled with tears and she smiled her thanks to Usagi, "Minako, you're my reflection in so many ways. Your pure heart has lifted me from despair many times and inspired me. Both you and Artemis are very special to me. You are one of the most loving people I know as can be said for all my friends. But you have a special place in my heart. And Artemis, you're the best," Usagi said, as tears flowed and more applause followed. She then turned to Michiru and Haruka, "Guys, you've been my toughest critics, aside from myself. I don't know what I would have done without your strength and challenging reminders of who I was and my responsibilities. You set me straight and helped me see the strength and beauty that burned within me. I love you both and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship," Usagi said, as Haruka and Michiru clenched hands and raised them in a gesture of victory and solidarity. They too were moved to tears as all hearts were this night, "Setsuna, my dear friend of infinite wisdom and poise ... Your selflessness has saved us on countless occasions. Now you've found after all these innumerable ages, a love worth the big heart you possess. I love you and Enki. I owe you guys so much," she told the smiling couple. Turning to Hotaru, she spoke once again, "You may not remember, but you helped me see beyond the darkness and destruction most people fear and dread most of their lives. As Senshi of Saturn, your legacy can often be a heavy burden. But you've taught me that there is light beyond shadow -- a tapestry of beauty that awaits us all and you are its guardian and personify the hope within Pandora's Box. I look forward to getting to know you better, my friend," Usagi said as Mamoru handed her a handkerchief. Usagi thanked a number of people before turning to Rei, "I haven't forgotten you, brat," Usagi giggled as Rei let fly a raspberry, making everyone laugh.

"Hey Odango Atama, you're not wearing your usual hairstyle tonight…guess I can't really call you an Odango Atama, can I, Odango Atama?" Rei laughed, raising the chamber to new levels of hysterics.

"Rei, you're the best friend a girl could ever have, and none of you are any less important to me… Rei, our friendship is unique in so many ways. Your pyro powers fostered a warm bond, and you were there for me whenever I was down, offering a hug, smile, wisdom, compassion and your time. You encouraged me to see the depth of talent and commitment that at first, I had trouble seeing in myself. Your psychic insight and magical gifts showed me something wondrous; I could barely contain its profundity. You taught me temperance. You taught me how to direct my passion in life, as you do it so well, my friend… I love you Rei." Teary eyed, Rei bowed and beamed.

"I almost forgot…only kidding, Luna, My loyal, patient, tireless friend… You played a special part in my life, fur ball!"

Luna shook her head, blinking away tears as she, in a gentle manner chastised Usagi, "Usagi, really," she chuckled.

"Luna, you've seen so much, you and Artemis both. You've seen us live, die and return to Earth. You've been like parents to us all -- not to mention the fact you're a parent yourself -- you are my closest confidant and like a second mother to me, friend, royal advisor, attendant and so much more. I think you've suffered so much over the course of time. Watching my mother, queen Serenity sacrifice her life so we could live in the future. I thank you for everything, Luna. You're so precious to me and to us all. Mamoru and I and the family consider you and Artemis members of our family." Luna was so happy, she mewed as tears fell, there were plenty as Artemis and Diana, and their Crystal Tokyo counterparts were moved so much by Usagi's declaration.

Mamoru stood after the applause died down and addressed the chamber, "what can I say to all that? I am the happiest guy in the Universe and without doubt, I have the most beautiful, dreamy, and lovable Odango Atama as part of my life," Usagi gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow as he chuckled and stroked her loose tumble of gold. "I also share the bond with Makoto, Ami, Rei, Minako and all the Senshi. I wish my parents, whoever they are, could be here right now. But I'm sure they're here in spirit. I love you mom and dad. And Luna, Artemis, you guys are fantastic! I thank you all for coming and celebrating our wedding with us. And Motoki, you're the coolest friend a guy could ever have; he's done a great job as everyone involved has in making this an unforgettable night for us all, and Janus, Amydarainia, thank you for this orbital venue, beats the Starlight Convention Center by light-years, literally!"

"You're most welcome," Janus said, bowing, as did his lovely partner.

"I ask you all to raise your glasses. Join my wife and me in a toast to you all, and enjoy the rest of the evening. By the way, Makoto tells me the wedding cake is something special, so make sure you get a piece, okay," he said, kissing Usagi's head.

Rei stepped up to the microphone and addressed the assembly once more, "hey everybody, we've got a special surprise for you all…well, really its two surprises, but more about that later. I've written a song for Usagi and Mamoru entitled, -- A Crystal Rose for you -- I hope you like it, guys."

**

You were to me a vivid dream, a misty face,

A face so sweet and kind, with magical eyes that stole my heart,

Princess of the moon, so far away you seemed,

But in my heart, the flame did burn, and across the gulf, you came to me,

A crystal Rose, I give to you, its petals bloom, nourished by your radiant smile,

An eternal refrain, you soothed my pain, that I might live again,

I love you forever, my crystal rose, forever be by my side, my darling bride!


**

Rei sang the song from the heart, while Usagi and Mamoru danced alone.

They found themselves dancing within a nebula of crystalline stars with nothing but the cosmos around them.

"Darling, this is so beautiful. I think the Ginzuishou has taken us beyond the holo-setting to a place far from our Universe. I feel it," Usagi whispered as she laid her head against Mamoru's chest. He stroked her long curtain of silvery-gold. Mamoru closed his eyes and could feel Usagi's body throb with a melodic pulse. He listened to her heart and the small, but insistent heartbeat of Chibi-Usa inside her mother's womb.

Mamoru's lips moved to Usagi's open mouth and he kissed her with a passion that sent her soaring. Usagi put her arms about his neck and Mamoru lifted her off her feet as they deepened their kiss. All at once, they found themselves back in the center of the chamber, surrounded by their friends and family.


Luna and Artemis cleared a path for them while the wedding kits were handed out with packs of delicious wedding cake. The cake had been cut with a crystal sword, once used by Queen Serenity and there was plenty to go round. The cake shaped like a crescent moon with the insignia of the House of Serenity with crystal icing and figurines of the Queen, Senshi, Luna and Artemis.

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